AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• Per the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, CBS Sports’ Joel Corry and Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti, the Broncos are likely to move on from QB Joe Flacco this offseason to save $10.05 million despite the $13.6 million dead cap hit. 
• Corry expects Broncos QB Brandon Allen to receive the low tender as a restricted free agent, while Denver could also look to bring in Bears QB Chase Daniel as a mentor to QB Drew Lock given Daniel’s familiarity with HC Vic Fangio.
• Ginnitti mentions Redskins QB Case Keenum as a potential backup option who’s familiar with new OC Pat Shurmur‘s scheme. 
• Both Corry and Ginnitti expect the Broncos to look at extending RB Phillip Lindsay, with the starting point being his expected 2021 second-round restricted free agent tender and the max likely being around $8-$9 million as a middle-tier running back. 
• Corry and Ginnitti believe Broncos S Justin Simmons will try to hit $15 million per year as the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Barring that, he’ll likely play out the franchise tag at $11.5 million. 
• Broncos CB Chris Harris seems like he intends to test free agency, with his goals likely being to sign for $11-$12 million a year with two years guaranteed, per Corry and Ginnitti.
• Looking at the contract Bears DT Akiem Hicks signed for, Corry anticipates Broncos DT Shelby Harris signing for as much as $12 million in free agency this year. 
• Both also anticipate Denver letting DE Derek Wolfe test the market, with a return possible depending on his price and if Denver retains Harris. 
• They also think Denver exercises LB Todd Davis‘ $6 million team option to keep him in 2020. 

Chiefs

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler doesn’t expect Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins to be willing to take a pay cut from his $14 million scheduled salary in 2020 given his market in free agency would be strong. 
• Fowler also thinks Chiefs TE Travis Kelce will ask for a pay raise after 49ers TE George Kittle signs his new deal.
• Kelce could sign in excess of $13 million a year with his next deal. (Tom Pelissero)

Raiders

• The Athletic’s Michael Lombardi says the Raiders have been working behind the scenes to find a replacement for QB Derek Carr and have been publicly positive about Carr to maintain his trade value. 
• Lombardi mentions that while the Raiders have a good offensive line, he’s skeptical about Patriots QB Tom Brady and Raiders HC Jon Gruden‘s ability to co-exist. 
• Lombardi also suggests Titans QB Ryan Tannehill as an option for the Raiders if he’s allowed to leave Tennessee. 
• Scott Bair of NBC Sports writes that the Raiders are expected to sign receivers this offseason and could sign free agents despite potentially drafting a player with one of their first-round picks. 
• Bair points out that Raiders WR Tyrell Williams will likely line up as an outside receiver opposite of “a newcomer or two,” while Hunter Renfrow will play the slot.
• Though Raiders WR Zay Jones remains under contract after acquiring him from Buffalo, Bair writes that Jones’ role remains “uncertain” after providing little production after joining the team.